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IV. Conclusions and Recommendations
Crown-of-Thorns starfish can reach outbreak population numbers that can be
devastating to a coral reef in a relatively short period. It is important, therefore, to
establish baseline (i.e., the average or “normal”) population numbers, so that if the
population starts to increase, with a concurrent rise in coral mortality, then removal
activities can be undertaken. Likewise, Drupella can also cause localized mortality,
particularly since they target certain species (Acropora and Montipora, but others as
well), and reach outbreak population levels. Shells can be removed in heavy
infestations, as part of a management effort.
We saw visible effects of fishing effort in several reefs: particularly in Bil-isan,
Gilutungan and Saavedra. Anchors, ropes, traps and other equipment should be
deployed in such a way that avoids live coral colonies. This was particularly true of
Saavedra, where large traps were deployed at deeper depths along the reef wall/slope,
and fixed in place with large ropes tied to coral heads in the shallows. The paths across
which these ropes were dragged were very clear in the form of broken and abraded
coral colonies and rubble.
In Gilutungan, heavy tourism activity showed a potential for long-term, chronic
damage. We recommend that tourism be regulated; i.e., a maximum number of visitors
per day should be decided upon by the management body, and tourist guides should be
trained to prohibit direct contact with the reef. Visitors should be briefed regarding
destructive diving and snorkeling practices, so that this reef can remain relatively intact
long-term. This cannot be stressed too much; the long-term viability of tourism
operations is heavily reliant on a good reef condition, which can only be maintained with
environment-friendly interactions between tourists and the reefs they visit.
V. Literature Cited
Kaczmarsky, L. (2006). Coral disease dynamics in the central Philippines. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
69: 9-21.
Raymundo, L. J., C. D. Harvell, Reynolds, T. (2003). Porites ulcerative white spot disease: description,
prevalence and host range of a new coral disease affecting Indo-Pacific Reefs. Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms 56(2): 95-104.
Raymundo, L. J., K. B. Rosell, C. Reboton, L. Kaczmarsky. (2005). Coral diseases on Philippine reefs:
genus Porites is a dominant host. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 64: 181-191.
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